International Student Experience
Diverse perspectives. International Experiences.
Discover the unique stories and experiences of students from around the world who have made the College of Charleston their home.
Read our stories and catch a glimpse of our academic journeys, cultural backgrounds, personal growth and our amazing experiences at the College of Charleston.
College of Charleston has one of the best opportunities out of scholarships, internships, and diversity of classes and professors. And it is a wonderful place to start...
Alina Galiyeva (Kokshetau, Kazakhstan )
Salomé Aiach
Hometown and country: Paris, France
Languages spoken: French and English
Major: Economics, Chemistry and History / triple major
What are you favorite College of Charleston classes so far?
HIST 299, JWSH 260, HONS 110, ECON 200
At the moment, what is your career goal?
I do not yet have a clearly defined career path, and I am comfortable with that.
Rather than committing to a specific trajectory at this stage, I am intentionally exploring different fields, using my academic work, leadership roles and hands-on opportunities to better understand where I can have the most impact. My goal is to build diverse experiences, strengthen my ability to think critically and communicate clearly and use this exploration to eventually make a thoughtful and informed career decision.
What College of Charleston clubs/organizations are you part of?
Hillel President for 2026/2027 -- Tikkum Olam chair for Spring 2026, Honors Dean’s Advisory Council 2025-2026, Honors Ambassador & International Ambassador 2025-2026, Honors College Alumni Engagement Committee 2025-2026
What is your favorite thing to do at the College of Charleston on the weekends or after class?
My favorite thing to do at CofC is staying involved specifically in Jewish life, as well as engaging deeply in my studies and writing.
I also enjoy finding things that could be improved and thinking of ways to make the community more engaged and evolving.
Why did you choose College of Charleston?
I chose to enroll at the College of Charleston because as a strong student, I was given the opportunity to access and engage with multiple schools, the School of Business, the School of Sciences, Mathematics and Engineering, and the School of Humanities and Social Sciences.
I recognize that this kind of academic flexibility is not given to everyone, which makes it especially valuable to me. It aligns closely with who I am, someone who is curious, highly involved and motivated to explore different fields.
Play video
"Felt Like Home"
Originally from Greece, Alex shares his experience and how the College of Charleston has become his second home. Learn how this psychology major gets involved on campus, and connects with the international community at the College.
From day one, CofC has been incredibly welcoming and making me feel right at home!
Linh Bui (Hai Phong, Vietnam)
Liam McDonald
Hometown and country: Dublin, Ireland
Languages spoken: English, Gaeilge (Irish), German
Major: Business Administration
What are you favorite College of Charleston classes so far?
Modern History, I love learning about the American side to history as I knew it previously!
At the moment, what is your career goal?
I want to be a Founder of a Fortune 500 Company (Dream Big).
What College of Charleston clubs/organizations are you part of?
CofC Rugby, Charleston LIFE, Visual Media Department, International Ambassador, CofC Film Club, Orientation intern, Founders Club
What is your favorite thing to do at College of Charleston on the weekends or after class?
Play football with my friends, go to the beach, go shopping on King street, walk to the battery, watch football at patriots point, go to the aquarium.
Why did you choose College of Charleston?
College of Charleston had such nice weather, facilities, and most importantly community! it was easy to feel at home here so it was a obvious choice.
Play video
"To be part of this amazing community...
Originally from Mexico, Victor gives an inside look at being an international and transfer student at the College of Charleston. Follow his day as a finance major at the School of Business, explore his experience as a Hispanic Latino student, and see how he utilizes on-campus resources to succeed.